2005-06-16 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 3 June 16, 2005 maintenance. There use to be just one cemetery, but now there is Cemetery I — 3 acres, Cemetery II — 14 acres and Cemetery III — 2 acres. Cemetery space has grown and demands on P &R staff has grown. He also recognized the veterans in West Hawaii for the great work they have done to improve and upgrade cemetery. Director Engelhard said that copies of the cemetery rules are given to families, the mortuaries have them and copies are posted throughout the cemeteries. She also said that we need to set parameters to honor our veterans and make the cemetery look like Arlington. Richard Highley asked if artificial flowers could be disposed of just as fresh flowers. Director Engelhard said she doesn't like artificial flowers. Vice Chairman Austen said that one of the signs was rusted and could not be clearly read. He suggested that we clean it or make it clearer. Richard Highley said that if they can't bring artificial flowers then there should be some place that the fresh flowers could be put on graves. Patrick Pavao said that when these rules were established, the cost factors were discussed and the committee decided to make those vases and concrete vaults optional and the responsibility of the families. Things change and rules could be revised if that is the desire of the committee. Director Engelhard reported that the County annually receives $22,500 from the State and it costs over $100,000 to maintain all three cemeteries. Patrick Pavao said an option would be to have an organization provide a service by purchasing vases and make it available to families for purchase. He also said that there were attempts to get more funding through the legislature, but that never happened. When Cemetery III first opened up, $38,000 was to be set up for maintenance of that cemetery, however, the state erred by letting the funds lapse. Minoru Hanato suggested to install uniform vases that are the same on each grave, are level with the ground and dispose of all flowers (fresh or plastic). Delbert Nishimoto said at Punchbowl they remove flowers every third day. He also said if we keep changing rules and there is no enforcement, it has no value. He recommends reminding fellow veterans that there are rules. Communication is the key. Richard Highley received quotes on the proposed vases, prices start at approximately $18.00 for zinc and ranges up to approximately $30.75 each for bronze. The price goes down to $23.75 if you order in bulk of 72 at a time.